Mallee - Part 1

Image 13
image 13 of 89

This transcription is complete

sions, numerous witnesses voiced unequivocally adverse views as to the value of the lands, yet we now find that such views were erroneous, and to-day the mallee districts support large and prosperous communities, and constitute the principal wheat producing areas of the State.

Possibilities of successful farming.—Having made exhaustive inquiries into the question, we are convinced that a large area exists in the Mallee Belt and Esperance district which is adapted for wheat growing and general farming.

Undoubtedly all the settlers selected land in the belief that a railway would be built.

Railway and market facilities, good roads, and adequate water supplies are factors essential to successful farming, and the isolated situation of the Esperance lands precludes the possibility of successful farming being conducted until such facilities are provided.

The settlers who remain have gained a knowledge of Western Australian mallee conditions which is of intrinsic value, not only to themselves but also to the State, and they are deserving of material assistance. It would be calamitous had they now perforce to leave the district because of the continued absence of facilities which all other farming centres enjoy.

Experimental work.—We do not advocate that any experimental work be undertaken before railway facilities are provided. A number experimental farms are established in South Australia, and are undoubtedly of service to the State and the farming community, but in every instance that came under the notice of the Commission railway communication had been provided and the farm was situated near the line.

No benefit is likely to accrue from the establishment of experimental farms in the Mallee Belt at present. To establish and carry on such institution under present conditions, and employing the usual official methods, would in a few years cost more than would the completion of the line.

Past expenditure.—It should not be overlooked that vast sums of money have been spent in the district already on surveys, roads, railway construction and material, dams and other public works, the Commission having details of expenditure totalling nearly £50,000, besides which there must be taken into account the indebtedness of settlers to the Government under Mr. Sutton's scheme, and also to the Industries Assistance Board, the State Implement Works, and the Lands Department. There will be practically no return for this outlaw until the completion of the railway which has already been started.

Esperance and other harbours.—The district is fortunate in having, within easy access, a splendid harbour, and according to the evidence of Captain Douglas numerous safe harbours exist along the coast to serve other areas, which in time will be opened up as wheat growing and general districts. It is unnecessary to enlarge on this question as it has already been fully dealt with in the reports of Mr. P. V. O'Brien and Surveyor Middleton, and we understand the Government is fully cognisant of the virtues of the Port of Esperance as a calling place for overseas vessels.

Freights and haulage charges.—The burden of high freights and heavy cartage charges is one which would be lightened with the advent of a railway, but means should be devised of giving the settlers some immediate relief in this direction. The evidence cites many examples of the high cost of goods to settlers in comparison with rates in more favoured districts. As an illustration, flour which sells at Albany for £11 or £12 per ton costs, delivered at Grass Patch, £17 or £18. Cartage from Esperance or Norseman to Circle Valley (a distance of 65 or 70 miles) costs £4 10s. per ton. Super, selling for £6 7s. 6d. per ton at Esperance, attains a value of £11 or £12 at Grass Patch, 45 miles away. According to the evidence of Mr. J. Stevenson (page 14, paragraph 205) a reaper and binder for which he paid £36 16s. 6d. in Fremantle cost him £49 landed in Esperance.

Maintenance of clearing.—Care should be taken when making future monetary advances to settlers on mallee lands during the early years of settlement to ensure that clearing once started is maintained, as neglect to keep down mallee shoots on cleared land for one year will mean heavy expense for later clearing. The security is thereby prejudiced and reduced. The Government should exercise the right, if necessary, to maintain clearing work and charge the costs to the capital value of the land, so as to preserve the value of their security.

Potato cultivation.—It has been shown that potato growing, as well as other branches of market gardening, can be successfully carried on in certain sections of the Esperance district.

Mallee roots as fuel.—The value of mallee roots for fuel purposes should be noted, especially in view of the proximity of the Goldfields to the source of supply. In South Australia, roots have a local market value from 6s. to 15s. per ton, and are conveyed over great distance by rail for use as firewood. The Commission is informed that many of the early settlers looked to their mallee roots to a greater extent than their wheat crops for funds during the initial stages of farming. The roots, too, are much in evidence as fencing material in the shape of hedges in districts where big timber is not available; the drawback to this, however, is that such fences afford a harbour for vermin.

Vermin.—According to the evidence, dingoes are present in considerable force in the Mallee Belt. Recollecting the early experiences of Victoria, where a large sum of public money had to be expended, and legislative provision made before the pest could be got rid of, the advisability of prompt steps being taken to clear the area of wild dogs merits attention. While rabbits are not responsible for much damage so far, it is probable that they will quickly develop into a serious menace to farmers, and efforts towards their extermination are desirable.